Nkabane's controversial panel for Seta chairs continues to unravel

More board members distance themselves from it

- By Queenin Masuabi

The net is closing in on higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane as more members of the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons' recommendation panel, deny involvement in the selection of ANC-aligned individuals.

Nkabane's chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane, the higher education deputy director-general of corporate services Rhulani Ngwenya and chief director of Seta coordination Mabuza Ngubane, have written to Parliament's portfolio committee on higher education and training chair Tebogo Letsie, further explaining that they were not paid for their service to the panel.

In a letter dated June 25, Ngwenya sets out that he was formally appointed to provide secretarial support to the panel.

"I was not involved in the approval of the 21 nominees who were ultimately appointed as chairpersons of Seta accounting authorities," said Ngwenya.

Semane admitted her involvement but added that she did not participate in shortlisting board chairpersons.